Mayor names Save KCI founder to airport study group

Kevin Koster launched Save KCI website

Kansas City Mayor Sly James unveiled the 24-member panel that will study the idea of remodeling Kansas City International Airport.

James named Bob Berkebile, of BNIM, and David Fowler, a retired executive from KPMG, to lead the panel.

Berkebile said the airport was first opened in a very different time. KCI is 40 years old. He said Kansas City needs an “airport to take us into the future.”

One of the members is Kevin Koster, one of the leading opponents to previously announced plans to change the airport to a single-terminal layout.

KMBC's Micheal Mahoney reported that Koster's Save KCI website started as the city accelerated plans for a $1.2 billion single-terminal KCI renovation. It has served as a rallying point for defenders of the airport.

Koster said he's proof that the mayor put together a group that will offer an objective look.

"I feel it is. I hope so. Because there are things I could be doing otherwise," he said.

While reformers promise to keep the airport's conveniences, many Kansas City residents and airport visitors said they're worried the city is trying to fix what isn't broken. Boosters have argued that the airport is outdated, expensive to operate and that improvements could lead to more flights.

James said the city needs to discuss the airport's future and the panel will do that.

"This is the conversation I envisioned (about) what's best for the airport. This group will guide that conversation," he said.

James said he'd like the ideas from the panel back to him by the end of the year, if possible.

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